Are you wondering why this blog is about fall and the start of the school year when we’re still in the middle of summer? I thought the same thing. However, fall is just around the corner, and so is the new school year. Some schools, like my kids’, even start in early August. It sneaks up on you and can hit you like a ton of bricks. Consider this a friendly reminder to start thinking about it now.
Transitions can be challenging. Moving from the relaxed summer vibe –with its loose schedules, late mornings, late bedtimes, summer camps, and vacations – to the structured fall routine can be challenging. This new season brings early mornings, packed lunches, homework, and after-school activities. I feel bittersweet about leaving behind the flexible and free summer months. While I’ll miss them, I’m eager for the fresh start and structured routine that the new school year brings.
Transitions come in all shapes and sizes, from the small-scale shift from weekend to weekday to the larger-scale change from summer to fall. What makes these transitions difficult is our cognitive flexibility—our ability to shift between routines and tasks and adapt one’s thinking and approach to new situations. During these transitions, we may feel off-course, uncertain, or tense.
With ADHD, cognitive flexibility can be especially difficult. However, it’s a challenge that many people face. Understanding this can lead to self-compassion as we go through changes, acknowledging that it’s a typical process for our brains.
If this sounds familiar, here are some things to consider to make the transition smoother over the coming months:
Gain Awareness of the Changes Coming Up
Thinking about all the changes needed to transition from summer to fall can be overwhelming. Try getting these thoughts out of your head and externalizing them by writing them or using mind mapping. This method lets you visualize what matters most and understand the upcoming changes.
Get Clear on What You Must Have
Once you understand the changes and priorities, consider what you need to make the transition easier. Is it getting everyone back to a regular sleep routine, prepping meals for busy days, gathering school supplies, signing up for after-school activities, or finding time for yourself to recharge? When you gain clarity, the experience becomes more manageable. Once you know what to do, you can start to evaluate.
Begin by evaluating your schedule–is it overly packed? Is it achievable? Once you’ve addressed this, make gradual changes by starting small. Attempting to tackle everything simultaneously can be overwhelming. Identify what is working, then introduce additional tasks one by one.
Give Yourself Grace
Transitions are complicated, and it’s important to acknowledge this. Give yourself grace as you navigate through this process. It takes time to start, continue, and make adjustments along the way. The best way to make the shift as supportive as possible is to check in with yourself and see what you desire and what works best for you. Don’t hesitate to switch things up if something isn’t working for you.
Embrace the upcoming season and its fresh start while giving yourself the time and patience to adjust.
Contact me and schedule a complimentary session using this link if you could use additional support. You can also check out our other coaches at the Center for Living Well with ADHD to see how coaching can support you. Let us help you leverage your strengths and ADHD traits in ways that are Wired to Win™.
Kelly Thorell, PCAC
ADHD Coach and Life Coach, Executive Skills Coach